The Braves exposed a lot of the weaknesses the Mets have. The starting pitching struggled. The lineup desperately needs another right-handed bat. And the bullpen is atrocious.

New York is now 46-43, and the writing is on the wall. They need to pick it up and keep pace with the rest of the National League if they want to continue their magical season.

They are six games back of the Washington Nationals for the National League East lead and three back of the second wild-card spot, but with a tough July schedule ahead of them, it is now make-or-break time for the Mets.

New York will take on the Nationals on the road for a three-game set in what will be a very telling series for Mets.

They cannot afford to lose more ground.

Then they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers and Nationals at home, before starting an 11-game road trip out west.

In the next week or so, everyone will know what this team is made of. That is when a lot of decisions will be made concerning this team, as well.

The New York Mets got caught napping, and they have no one to blame but themselves.

Luckily, they still have time to make up for their sluggish second-half start.

Maybe their start will prove to be their own wake-up call to have a sense of urgency. But in any case, the Mets cannot hit the snooze button any longer.

Because the time left in the 2012 season is precious, and they are officially on the clock.